47 named suspects in Mataram riots

47 named suspects in Mataram riots

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: At least 47 people have been
declared suspects in the four days of sectarian riots here
recently, local police spokesman Capt. Agus Sutisna said on
Saturday.

Police said the suspects were among 327 arrested for their
involvement in the looting, arson and vandalism that marked the
unrest, Agus said.

"The dossiers of 47 suspects were submitted to the local
prosecutor's office today," Sutisna was quoted by Antara as
saying.

He added that some detainees were released due to a lack of
evidence.

"The suspects were all caught in the act of arson, looting or
vandalism, targeting houses and shops in Ampenan and other
locations in West Lombok," he said.

During the rampage that ended on Jan. 17, at least 11 churches
and about 20 houses were either burned down or damaged.

At least 1,144 residents of Mataram and other places on Lombok
island fled their homes for safety. (jun)